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"This interesting, easy-to-read book provides a comprehensive framework for considering communication and aging in the context of biology, sociology, and psychology. This thought provoking book is strongly anti-ageist. It could serve as a broad overview for anyone interested in the myriad of issues related to communication and aging." - CHOICE'úUnderstanding Communication and Aging achieves a nice balance between the facts of growing old, the social forces that shape that process, and the communication factors that connect these two domains. With attention to both research and everyday applications, the text is thorough and inviting. I am delighted that a user-friendly, undergraduate text has finally been produced in the field of communication and aging. This book deserves to be an instant and sustained success.'Ě -Sandra Metts, Illinois State University'úThis book has so many strengths. I am especially pleased with the¬†communication focus and the discussions on cultural issues, new technologies, and identities. I am impressed by Dr. Harwood's creativity and reaching out to learners via the use of info boxes, significant achievement profiles, literary/artistic descriptions, selected detailed summaries of research, and quotations about aging. All of these features auger very well for student learning and enthusiasm. I commend Dr. Harwood for his attention to detail, targeting multiple learning styles, and attending to instructors who value these kinds of features.'Ě -Jim L. Query, Jr., University of Houston'úThe way Professor Harwood ties together theory, research, and everyday experience into a text that is accessible, interesting, and fun to read is impressive. The focus is not merely psychological or interpersonal; the book spans multiple disciplines. This text is the total package!'Ě -Jo Anna Grant, California State University, San BernardinoUnderstanding Communication and Aging is the most accessible introduction to the many ways aging in the 21st century is influenced by human communication processes, from face-to-face conversation to mass media representations. With a lively presentation, author Jake Harwood presents central research findings while engaging students with important questions concerning communication and aging.Key Features Covers the broad area of communication and older adulthood: The book examines key topics such as interpersonal and family relationships in old age, media portrayals of aging, cultural variations in intergenerational communication, and health communication in old age. Shatters the myths and stereotypes of aging: The book's orientation and perspective is on 'úhealthy'Ě living and aging. This anti-ageist approach encourages readers to reexamine their views on aging and become fluent at defending and promoting an anti-ageist ideology. Provides concrete examples: While taking a theoretical approach, the book includes coverage of applied issues such as health communication and age-related prejudice and discrimination.

Introduction to the study of Aging and Intergenerational Communication

p. 1

Perspectives on Aging

p. 3

Why Study Aging?

Approaches to Aging

Biological/Biomedical Approaches

Psychological Approaches

Sociological Approaches

Life-Span Developmental Approaches

Methods for Studying Aging

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

A Communication Approach to Aging

p. 25

Decline in Communication

Normal Aging

Pathological Aging: The Case of Alzheimer's Disease

Counterpoint: A Positive Research Agenda on Aging

Approaches to Communication and Aging

Interpersonal Communication

Mass Communication

Intergroup Communication

Key Propositions Guiding the Book: A Communication Approach

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

Attitudes About Aging and Interpersonal Communication

p. 47

Stereotypes and Attitudes About Aging and Intergenerational Communication

p. 49

Distinguishing Stereotypes and Attitudes

Attitudes Concerning Aging

Stereotypes of Aging

Age Identity-Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

Social Mobility

Social Creativity

Social Competition

Cognitive Representations of Intergenerational Communication

Why Do Negative Attitudes and Stereotypes Matter?

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

Aging, Identity, Attitudes, and Intergenerational Communication

p. 73

Communication Accommodation Theory

The Communication Predicament of Aging (CPA) Model

The Age Stereotypes in Interaction Model

Supporting Dependency

Other Dimensions of Accommodation

Age Identity: Disclosing and Concealing Age in Communication

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

Intragenerational Relationships in Older Adulthood

p. 92

Marital Relationships in Old Age

Intragenerational Friendships in Old Age

Sibling Relationships

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

Intergenerational Relationships in Older Adulthood

p. 110

Grandparenting

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The Parent-Child Relationship in Older Adulthood

Intergenerational Friendships

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

Enhancing Communication With Older Adults

p. 126

Change in Young People: The Influence of Intergenerational Contact on Attitudes

Communication and Intergenerational Contact

Perceptions of Variability

Ending the Predicament: The Communication Enhancement Model

Change in Older Adults: Confronting Patronizing Talk

Passive Responses

Aggressive (Confrontational) Responses

Assertive Responses

Humorous Responses

Communication Skills and Communication Training

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

Social Representations and Mass Communication

p. 147

Mass Communication Portrayals of Older Adults

p. 149

Underrepresentation

Negative Representation

Health

Lead Versus Peripheral Roles

Humor

Messages About the Aging Process

Positive Portrayals

Exceptional Characters

Central Characters

Humorous Characters

Advertising

Political Power

The Media Industry

Summary

Keywords and Theories

Discussion Questions

Annotated Bibliography

Uses and Effects of Media

p. 177

Age Differences in Media Use

Quantity of Television Viewing: Older People as "Embracers" of Television